Millville abuzz with excitement over Bolts in playoffs

MILLVILLE — “The city residents definitely have an extra bounce in their step this week,” said Mayor Tim Shannon.

And you can thank the Millville High School varsity football “Thunderbolts,” who clinched the conference title last week with an 8-0 record.

Shannon called the game against Atlantic City last week one of “the most exciting in recent years.

“It was one of the biggest games we’ve witnessed, and the crowd was incredible,” Shannon said.

For the city as a whole, Shannon said the team’s win has gotten the residents excited again.

“(Coach) Jason Durham is great,” Shannon said. “He’s bringing these guys into the playoffs with plenty of momentum, and we’ll all be out there to cheer him and the players on.”

No better place to overhear chatter about the recent success of the team would be Jim’s Lunch, located across the street from where High and Main intersect.

With a smile across her face, Nichole Maul-Catlett, who works at Jim’s Lunch, was thrilled that her hometown is in the playoffs.

“This is an exciting time for us,” Catlett said.

Phillip, her son, played with Holly City Midgets before entering high school. He now is a member of the freshman team.

“We hope they keep up this winning streak,” Catlett said. “My son and many of the other players who are now on J.V. and varsity have all known each other since they were around 6 years old. Now, they’re all together in high school and have this awesome team.

“I was just a baby in 1978, so I don’t remember the last time we went this far,” Catlett added. “I’m ecstatic.”

Catlett’s mother Rochelle Maul is the owner of Jim’s Lunch.

“I’m speechless,” she said of the Thunderbolts. “I’m so proud of our Millville boys and the great job they’re doing.”

She added that if Millville varsity players win their Thanksgiving game against Vineland, she’ll give them free burgers the following Friday if they show up wearing their jerseys.

“That’s a tradition we’ve had for years,” she said.

On the other side of the counter, enjoying some traditional Jim’s Lunch special in the adjoining room at the table near the big window, Jim Hollingshead, his sons Jim Jr. and Bob, and their old friend Linc Armington couldn’t stop talking about the team.

“I’ve been watching them for a good many years now,” Armington said.

Armington is a former Millville High football player who graduated in 1947.

His friend, Hollingshead, was equally happy.

“I’m too old to go to the games now, but that doesn’t make it any less exciting,” Hollingshead said. “I hope Millville can pull it out.”

The Thunderbolts will face off against Rancocas Valley High School tonight, and if they win, will be 9-0.

“Rancocas is no push-over,” said Mayor Shannon. “Everyone in this league has a legitimate shot. We’ve got to play our best game. 8-0 is great, but we want 9-0, and we’re not giving up easy. I want all Millville residents out at the game wearing their orange and blue.”

Feeling some of the most excitement is none other than former Coach Tony Surace, who led the team to win the Group IV South State title in 1975, and continued to coach until the late 1990s.

Surace said he sees the similarities in the 1975 team and the 2011 team.

“I think, following today’s team, it’s been built up the way it did in ‘75,” Surace said. “Hopefully, that’ll continue.”

Some of the attributes Surace sees are their selfless love of the game and chemistry among one another.

“There seems to be an unselfishness among the players,” Surace said. “Especially in (defensive running back) Alquann Jones. He will blow away the records, but he would be happy just scoring one touchdown or even just running a yard. He’s having an incredible year, and you can tell in the way he plays.”

“Talent is always needed, obviously, but they also have chemistry. They cheer for one another. That’s a very important quality.”

As for if the team will go on to win the same title Surace’s team nabbed in 1975, he said he’s hoping for it.

“Coach Jason (Durham) has a nice perspective,” Surace said. “In order to get to 12-0, you’ve got to get 9-0, which is what they’ll be working toward Friday.”

Surace added: “We’ve never had an offensive line as memorable as this and (Alquann) Jones gives them the credit, rightfully so. And they’re built for the cold weather. They’ll be ready if snow shows up later in the season.”